Well Roy the word did originate in the french language. Once upon a time the
English nobles (kings, queens duke etc.) spoke only french. They didn't speak
the tongue of the people they ruled so, French is found a lot throughout the
English language. Depot is another example of the french influence on the
English language. Did you know that bungalow is originally a Portuguese word or
that mortgage is derived from old French? How about colon? Originally a greek
word.
It just looks strange to you because you yanks had to change it around so that
you could make English an American invention;-) Pretty soon we'll be reading
that it was the British that won independence from you guys!!;-)
For all you non Yank readers, I recently opened the instructions for a toy one
of my kids got for Christmas and there were several languages listed including
"American" . In brackets beside American was the word "English"! Big Brother
continues the insidious re-write of history!;-)
Chris
ps. Before I start receiving any unkind emails please note: the tongue be firmly
planted!:-)